Researchers figure out why the Māori All Blacks are so great to watch

The cultural identity of individual players influences a rugby team's style of play, according to researchers who analysed the Māori All Blacks and the Japan Test squad.

The Massey University study, co-authored by former Black Ferns skipper Dr Farah Palmer, says the Māori All Blacks are more spontaneous and take more risks than the Brave Blossoms, who have a mix of nationalities.

The researchers believe the difference is down to the players' cultural identity and norms.